In efforts to preserve and promote local cultural values, women’s unions across Da Nang have launched various meaningful initiatives, encouraging widespread participation from members. These activities contribute to building and enhancing the cultural and human values of Da Nang, which serve as an internal resource and a driving force for sustainable development.

A cultural performance by members of Hai Chau District Women’s Union during the celebration of the 94th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam Women's Union (October 20,1930 - October 20, 2024). Photo: X.D

Preserving cultural beauty

Women make up over 50% of the city's population and are present in all fields and areas. They play a key role in building happy families, preserving and promoting national cultural identity, and contributing to political stability, social order, and the city's development.

In recent years, the Da Nang Women’s Union has prioritised educating its members on traditional values, ideals, revolutionary spirit, cultural ethics, and lifestyle. Women's unions at grassroots level actively participate in movements like "The entire population unites to build cultural life" and campaigns such as "Building families with 5 no's, 3 cleans" and "Building families with 5 yes, 3 cleans" which are linked to promoting urban civilisation and cultural practices. Additionally, they organise activities like "Historical and cultural site visits", "Back to the roots", and "Journeys to historical addresses", as well as participate in preserving traditional culture through festivals and artistic performances.

On national holidays and other significant events, the unions hold various activities such as "Passing the torch of tradition" to foster revolutionary ideals and instill a sense of national pride and responsibility in women across all walks of life.

In preserving cultural traditions, many women’s unions in Da Nang celebrate traditional Vietnamese attire by organising “Ao Dai” events on International Women’s Day (March 8), and Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20), and during "Ao Dai Week". These include parades and fashion shows featuring the Ao Dai, which have become a popular highlight.

Since 2023, the Hoa Vang District Women’s Union has launched the "Ao Dai Giving and Connecting Love" programme, collecting and distributing nearly 2,000 Ao Dai dresses to disadvantaged women. This model has since been adopted by other districts, helping to instill pride and a sense of responsibility in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.

Enhancing cultural life at the grassroots level

A standout feature of Da Nang's women’s movement in recent years has been the growing focus on cultural and artistic activities, as well as sports. In 2023, for the first time, the Da Nang Women’s Union held a festival of lullabies and folk singing, which attracted over 300 members and was highly praised by both professionals and the public. From that point, they have also maintained a "Weekend Rendezvous" programme, offering entertainment on the banks of the Han River.

This success has inspired the establishment of 641 dance sport clubs across the city, where members gather to practice every Monday morning or Friday afternoon.

Ms. Do Thi Thu Hien, Vice President of the Thanh Khe District Women’s Union, shared that the organisation has expanded this initiative into the "Weekend Playground" programme, which now features performances at the Ha Khe Beach Park every month. These activities include cultural exchanges, folk games, and performances of traditional music and dance.

Through regular participation, the mental well-being of women has noticeably improved, and grassroots activities have become more vibrant and engaging. These initiatives contribute to building a cultural and civilised lifestyle in Da Nang.

A vision for the future

According to Mrs. Hoang Thi Thu Huong, Chairwoman of the Da Nang Women's Union, 2024 marks the first year the union is implementing a project to enhance the quality of traditional education, cultural and artistic activities, and sports, while supporting women’s development to meet the needs of the new era (2024-2028).

The project provides a framework to boost women’s involvement in local initiatives, promote traditional education, and build a dynamic, creative, and culturally sophisticated image of Da Nang women. This effort focuses on creating a distinct cultural identity for women, especially in their interactions with tourists and international friends.

"The cultural and artistic activities launched by the Women's Union not only provide a healthy and vibrant playground for members but also help identify outstanding individuals in the community's cultural and sporting activities. This further highlights the growing knowledge, cultural lifestyle, health, and creativity of Da Nang’s women, who are actively contributing to the development of the city and country," Mrs Huong emphasised.

Reporting by K.NGUYEN - Translating by TRUC VY